The cruise liner was escorted by the destroyer HMS Manchester as she sailed into the Clyde, Scotland, where she was built 41 years ago.

Warrant Officer Bill Parry paid a sentimental visit to the Cunard liner – he was one of many Falklands veterans picked up by the ship when his own, HMS Antelope, was sunk in the conflict 26 years ago.

Michael Gallagher, the Cunard spokesman on board the QE2, said: 'She is a great ship – she served her country in her time of need and she has served Cunard with great distinction.

'All on board were delighted at having a Royal Navy escort.'

The QE2 is on a goodbye tour of the British Isles before the ship heads for retirement as a floating hotel in Dubai.

She left Liverpool on Friday and will visit Belfast and Edinburgh before arriving in her home port of Southampton next week.

Hundreds of well-wishers are expected to turn out to welcome the QE2 to the port for the last time.

She has travelled almost 5.9 million nautical miles – more than any other ship – and has carried 2.5 million guests.

She has completed 25 world cruises and has crossed the Atlantic 804 times.